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A KPI-Based Framework for Evaluating Sustainable Agricultural Practices in Southern Angola

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  • Eduardo E. Eliseu

    (Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Namibe, Farol de Noronha, Moçâmedes CP 274, Namibe, Angola
    Department of Electromechanical Engineering, University of Beira Interior, Calçada Fonte do Lameiro, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal)

  • Tânia M. Lima

    (Department of Electromechanical Engineering, University of Beira Interior, Calçada Fonte do Lameiro, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
    C-MAST—Center for Mechanical and Aerospace Science and Technologies, Calçada Fonte do Lameiro, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal)

  • Pedro D. Gaspar

    (Department of Electromechanical Engineering, University of Beira Interior, Calçada Fonte do Lameiro, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
    C-MAST—Center for Mechanical and Aerospace Science and Technologies, Calçada Fonte do Lameiro, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal)

Abstract

Agricultural production in southern Angola faces challenges due to unsustainable practices, including inefficient use of water, fertilizers, and machinery, resulting in low yields and environmental degradation. Therefore, clear and measurable indicators are needed to guide farmers toward more sustainable practices. The scientific literature insufficiently addresses this issue, leaving a significant gap in the evaluation of key performance indicators (KPIs) that can guide good agricultural practices (GAPs) adapted to the context of southern Angola, with the goal of promoting a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector. So, the objective of this study is to identify and assess KPIs capable of supporting the selection of GAPs suitable for maize, potato, and tomato cultivation in the context of southern Angolan agriculture. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted, screening 2720 articles and selecting 14 studies that met defined inclusion criteria. Five KPIs were identified as the most relevant: gross margin, net profit, water use efficiency, nitrogen use efficiency, and machine energy. These indicators were analyzed and standardized to evaluate their contribution to sustainability across different GAPs. Results show that organic fertilizers are the most sustainable option for maize, drip irrigation for potatoes, and crop rotation for tomatoes in southern Angola because of their efficiency in low-resource environments. A clear, simple, and effective representation of the KPIs was developed to be useful in communicating to farmers and policy makers on the selection of the best GAPs in the cultivation of different crops. The study proposes a validated KPI-based methodology for assessing sustainable agricultural practices in developing regions such as southern Angola, aiming to lead to greater self-sufficiency and economic stability in this sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Eduardo E. Eliseu & Tânia M. Lima & Pedro D. Gaspar, 2025. "A KPI-Based Framework for Evaluating Sustainable Agricultural Practices in Southern Angola," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-35, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:15:p:7019-:d:1716061
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